Craig's Crimson Cherry Tree

Craig’s Crimson brings dessert-level sweetness to the home orchard in a handsome, richly colored cherry. The rounded-to-heart-shaped fruit develops dark red skin and firm, juicy flesh with a concentrated flavor that invites eating straight from the tree. Its balance of sweetness, texture, and attractive finish makes the harvest feel special, whether the cherries are served fresh, added to a summer platter, or saved for a favorite preserve. Spring begins with a show of white blossoms, followed by a leafy canopy that fits beautifully into an edible landscape. The variety is especially useful where gardeners want excellent fruit without depending on a second cherry solely for crop set. It can stand on its own in a smaller planting while still benefiting from the added bee activity and overlapping bloom that another compatible sweet cherry can bring.

Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, allowing air to circulate through the canopy. Maxma 14 rootstock supports a productive semi-dwarf tree suitable for home orchards. Consistent moisture during fruit development and protection from birds help preserve the quality of the crop.

Craig’s Crimson is self-fruitful, so one tree can set fruit. A second compatible sweet cherry with overlapping bloom can increase pollinator activity and may support a fuller crop while adding another flavor and harvest window.

Craig's Crimson Cherry Tree Details

• Fruit: Dark red, rounded-to-heart-shaped sweet cherries
• Flavor and texture: Firm and juicy with concentrated sweetness
• Best uses: Fresh eating, desserts, preserves, and sharing
• Harvest: May through June, with timing varying by region and season
• USDA zones: 4–9
• Chill hours: About 500–600 hours
• Tree size: Semi-dwarf on Maxma 14 rootstock
• Pollination: Self-fruitful; another compatible sweet cherry can be beneficial
• Recommended pollinizers or companions: Consider Lapins, Stella, or Black Tartarian
• Special care: Full sun, excellent drainage, regular pruning, and bird protection near ripening
• Something Special: Craig’s Crimson originated in the Zaiger Genetics cherry-breeding program in Modesto, California.

Orchard Planning Resources

• Bare Root Tree Selection Guide
• How to Plant Bare Root Trees
• Fruit and Nut Tree Characteristics
• Tree Rootstock Characteristics Chart